Studying Implementation of Midwifery Continuity of Carer (SIMCA)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Factors influencing the implementation of the Midwifery Continuity of Carer (MCoC) model of care in England: a mixed methods cross case analysis
IRAS ID
327714
Contact name
Aled Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
During pregnancy, labour and early motherhood, most women receive care from different midwives. NHS England have been trying to change this, to ensure that a woman is cared for by the same midwife throughout whilst supported by a small team of midwives to cover off-duty periods. This model of care is called the Midwifery Continuity of Carer (MCoC). This study proposes to evaluate the implementation and delivery of MCoC in England.
MCoC can lead to improvements in the safety and quality of maternity care, particularly for vulnerable women and babies and those from minority ethnic communities and deprived neighbourhoods. MCoC can also increase midwives' job satisfaction, but similarly increase job-related stress and unsociable working hours. Most midwives support the idea of MCoC, yet many resist the changes due to current resource shortages. Implementing progress of MCoC is mixed; progressing well in some Trusts, but in many it is delayed, or yet to start.
The study aims to better understand the factors that result in different rates of progress with MCoC implementation in England through three linked work packages:
WP1: Literature review focusing on understanding the challenges and successes of previous attempts to implement MCoC.
WP2: Case studies in 9 NHS Trusts, to better understand different rates of progress with MCoC implementation and people's experiences of MCoC implementation through:
(a) interview and survey (maternity services staff)
(b) interview (service-users)
(c) observe meetings, collect documents and data related to MCoC
(d) Interviews with national and regional stakeholders (not for REC review, University of Plymouth ethics obtained)
WP3: Compare data from sites to identify different approaches to MCoC implementation and the associated factors and relationships. Compare findings to results of WP1.
Project report and papers will be produced detailing findings and recommendations, training materials to be developed for use in other maternity services and in other NHS services.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0272
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion